Dangerous driver jailed over M6 crash death of Cliff Tamou

Cliff Tamou died following a crash involving a Toyota Avensis and a white MAN Truck HGV on the M6. The 58-year-old dad-of-six was a popular and respected figure in the area's community rugby league scene [1]. Cliff, who was out of the HGV which he had been driving, as it had broken down, died at the scene.

Cliff Tamou was a respected figure in the community rugby league scene (Image: Staffordshire Police) Police were called to the crash scene at 9.55pm on Thursday, February 27 this year, to reports of the collision, which happened in Staffordshire between junctions 15 and 16 southbound. Ghalum Haider, the driver of the Toyota, was taken to hospital with leg and facial injuries.

Haider, of Dudley, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court today (Friday, June 20) after he had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing in May. Haider, 22, was jailed for nine years and four months. He was also given a five-year driving ban, which will start when he is released from prison.

'A tragic case of a completely avoidable death'

Following the sentencing, Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, of Staffordshire Police's Road Crime Team, said: "Our thoughts very much remain with Cliff's family at this difficult time.

"This is a tragic case of a completely avoidable death on our roads, which has left a family without their loved one. "I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that if you get behind the wheel of a car and drive dangerously, the consequences can be catastrophic." In a tribute following his death, Cliff's family said: "Cliff Tamou, 58, who moved to the UK over 30 years ago from New Zealand and settled in the Wigan area, was a devoted husband, father to six children and five grandchildren.

"He was a lorry driver for many years and loved playing, refereeing and coaching rugby."

Cliff's funeral saw hundreds of mourners turn out at St Helens Crematorium [2], many decked in rugby league shirts, to bid farewell to him.

References

^ a popular and respected figure in the area's community rugby league scene (www.sthelensstar.co.uk)
^ saw hundreds of mourners turn out at St Helens Crematorium (www.sthelensstar.co.uk)